Voice-Assisted Theranostic Laser Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical laser devices face usability challenges in sterile and challenging conditions due to limited visual and physical access for controlling treatment parameters, requiring complex adjustments that are difficult to manage with traditional graphical user interfaces, especially during surgeries where hands are occupied.
Innovation Solution
A voice-assisted theranostic system that uses voice recognition and multiple time windows to enable hands-free control of medical laser devices, allowing users to monitor treatment progress and adjust parameters through voice commands, ensuring safety and efficiency by authorizing only qualified personnel and minimizing the risk of false commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional graphical user interfaces are used to control medical laser devices, then treatment parameters can be adjusted, but usability deteriorates in sterile conditions where hands are occupied and visual access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual interaction system (graphical user interface requiring hand operations and visual access) with an acoustic field-based system (voice recognition). The voice-activated control system captures audio signals, processes speech commands, and translates them into control signals for the medical laser device, eliminating the need for manual interaction with control interfaces during sterile procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system between the user and the medical laser device control. This intermediary consists of the voice recognition system that acts as a mediator, capturing user intentions through speech and converting them into appropriate control commands. The intermediary layer includes audio capture, speech processing, and command translation components that bridge the gap between hands-free operation and device control.
2Ease of operation
If voice commands are used for hands-free control, then ease of operation improves, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of false commands and unauthorized operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms in the voice control system. The system provides auditory feedback by repeating or confirming received voice commands, allowing users to verify accurate recognition. The system also monitors for unauthorized or erroneous commands and can request rephrasing or confirmation, creating a feedback loop that enhances reliability while maintaining hands-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary authentication actions before enabling voice command control. The system requires users to establish authorization (e.g., through voice recognition of authorized personnel or pre-set credentials) before allowing command input. This preliminary action ensures that only qualified personnel can control the medical laser device via voice commands, preventing unauthorized operation while maintaining ease of use for authorized users.
3Reliability
If multiple time windows are implemented for voice command verification, then reliability improves by ensuring intentional commands, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time windows for voice command reception and verification. The system operates in periodic cycles where a first time window accepts initial voice commands, and a second time window accepts confirmation or correction commands. This periodic structure organizes the verification process into discrete, manageable phases, reducing the complexity of continuous monitoring while ensuring intentional commands are executed.
Data Source
AI summary
Various example embodiments relate to guiding a user of a medical laser device by voice based on monitored treatment data. In addition, a voice control procedure for operating the medical laser device with improved safety is provided. Improved usage of the medical laser device is enabled also in situations where there is a limited visual and physical access to control the device. An apparatus, a method, a theranostic system and a computer program are disclosed.